Amsterdam / Frankfurt / Parijs, 11 september 2025 – Rockfield Real Estate, een verticaal geïntegreerd Europees woonplatform, en Ardian, een wereldwijd toonaangevende private investeringsmaatschappij, hebben gezamenlijk een studentenhuisvestingsproject verworven in het kader van hun pan-Europese strategie voor Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). Rockfield acquireert hiermee de eerste asset in Duitsland en de ambitie heeft op korte termijn haar investeringen daar sterk uit te breiden.
The project, part of the large-scale Blue Gate area development in Aachen, comprises 300 studio apartments and approximately 2,200 m² of commercial space. Completion and occupancy are scheduled for summer 2026, with leasing commencing for the 2026/2027 academic year. This transaction marks Rockfield and Ardian’s first step into the German student housing market and strengthens their position in one of Europe’s most competitive PBSA markets.
“With this acquisition, we are taking an important step in Germany, a market that is crucial to our European PBSA strategy. Aachen combines a strong academic reputation with international appeal and is also located at the intersection of Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Together with Ardian, we are continuing to build a pan-European platform that gives students in leading cities access to modern, sustainable and high-quality housing solutions. This project confirms our ambition to further expand Rockfield’s position as a Dutch investor with international clout.”
Juan Manuel Acosta – CIO, Rockfield Real Estate
Blue Gate Aachen
The student complex is part of Blue Gate, a mixed-use urban development right next to Aachen Central Station. In addition to student accommodation, the development also includes office space and a hotel.
The complex consists of two interconnected buildings with a total gross floor area of approximately 8,400 square metres. Each apartment, measuring approximately 21 m², will be fully furnished and supported by high-quality common facilities, including spacious indoor and outdoor areas and an on-site service team. In addition to commercial units, the ground floor (2,900 m²) will also feature various common facilities for tenants. Eighty per cent of the commercial areas has already been let. With approximately 60,000 students, including a strong international contingent, Aachen is considered an important university centre in Europe. The presence of RWTH Aachen University and CBS International Business School reinforces the appeal and growing demand for high-quality student accommodation.
‘The international component of Blue Gate was decisive for us from the outset. The location, right next to the station and in the heart of Europe, perfectly matches the ambitions of Rockfield and Ardian. We are delighted to welcome them as new partners and to contribute together to the further development of this urban project.’
Dirk Brockmann – Managing Director, HLG Real Estate
European strategy
Since its inception in 2024, Rockfield and Ardian have jointly invested more than €700 million in PBSA projects in cities such as Maastricht, Leiden, Amsterdam, Bologna, Florence, Milan and Barcelona. The combined portfolio now comprises approximately 6,000 beds and is expected to grow to a target of €1 billion in assets under management by the end of 2025.
The strategy focuses on acquisitions and selective forward deals in core markets such as Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and France – markets with a growing student population and a structural shortage of modern student accommodation. Sustainability and ESG criteria are an integral part of this approach.
‘The move to Germany is a logical next step in our pan-European strategy. Aachen is a very attractive location for student accommodation due to its location and universities. This forward deal fits in perfectly with our focus on acquiring high-quality assets and creating long-term value for tenants and investors.’
Nico Rheims – Managing Director Real Estate, Ardian
